Lot 437: Large Richard Clarke O/C Painting, The Fighter, 1960

Richard Clarke (American/Tennessee,1923-1997) oil on canvas abstract expressionist painting, “The Fighter” 1960. Passages of heavy impasto — primarily in red, black, and yellow and which include paint applied directly from the tube — set over a red, black, and purple background suggest the torso, raised arms, and head of a goateed figure. Signed and dated “Clarke 60,” lower left. With title to verso and old label with title and artist information affixed to stretcher. Label reads “The Knoxville Seven / Birdwell, Clarke, Ewing, Higgs, Nichols, Stevens and Sublett.” Housed in a simple wood frame. Canvas: 50 in. H x 40 in. W. Frame: 51 in H x 41 in. H. Biographical Note: Richard Clarke was one of the early members of the University of Tennessee’s art faculty. He is often associated with the “Knoxville Seven,” a group of progressive artists connected to the University of Tennessee that included Robert Birdwell, C. Kermit Ewing, Joanna Higgs, Phillip Nichols, Walter H. Stevens and Carl Sublett. He often found inspiration in the natural world around him.

PROVENANCE: The Estate of Rita Patterson, Knoxville, TN

CONDITION: Overall very good condition. With craquelure, especially to impasto.